Introduction The Brazilian vector control is characterized by intensive use of pesticides (agrotoxics) such as organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and benzoylureas. Until the 1990s, organochlorines were also used. Some of these substances have already been banned, in other countries, but continue to be used in Brazil and are associated with several harmful health effects such as neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Endemic workers have been continuously exposed for decades and have a high rate of illness and death from cancer.

Objective To identify chemical exposure by agrotoxics in the work process of endemic workers in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Method Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and multicenter study. 139 questionnaires answered remotely by the endemic workers in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were analyzed.

Results 61.2% worked manipulating/applying agrotoxics. 39.6% worked between 20–29 years (mean = 15.9; SD = 12.4) in direct contact with agrotoxics. 79.1% had already worked directly with agrotoxics at some point. The most commonly used agrotoxics between 2010 and 2020 were: Bacillus thuringiensis (bacterial larvicide) (40.7%); pyriproxifem (pyridyloxypropyl ether) (42.1%); benzoylphenylureas: diflubenzuron (35.0%) e novaluron (25.7%); pyrethroids cypermethrin (33.6%), deltamethrin (12.1%) e permethrin (9.3%); organophosphates: malathion (33.6%), temephos (28.6%) e fenitrothion (16.4%); and bendiocarb (carbamate) (9.3%). 71.9% reported direct contact of the agrotoxics with the skin. The most used individual protection equipment (IPE) were gloves (42.9%), boots (31.4%) and overalls (17.9%). 47.5% did not use or received IPE from employer. 53.2% of workers didn’t have training and 43.9% of those who did, didn’t consider it sufficient. 98.6% washed work clothes at home. 69.8% reported symptoms of intoxication after contact with agrotoxics (skin irritation, burning in the nose and mouth, difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, weakness, headache, nausea, fainting).

Conclusion Endemic workers have been exposed acutely and chronically for decades to various agrotoxics. Changes in the work process and chemical-dependent vector control are required.